A few young ladies (tweens) I know have recently passed that female coming-of-age moment – their first menstrual period. I also recently found out that Kotex makes pads for tweens –in a shiny box with funky coloured wrappers and designs on the pads. The pads are thinner and slimmer for smaller bodies, and in the box there is a little booklet with instructions on how to put on a pad and a facts page with info like “it is normal for your period to be irregular during the first couple years”.
I appreciate that a large company like Kotex is working to change the image of the menstrual cycle. Especially with pre-teens. Talking about periods during the tween years is a ideal way to establish a positive attitude and outlook towards menstruation that can impact a woman’s entire menstrual life, into menopause. Many women I’ve talked to have a very negative view of their periods – whether because of attitudes taught by their peers and elders, or because they have menstrual symptoms, “that time of the month” is often looked at in a negative light.
I used to feel this way – my periods were horribly painful and I hated them. But this all changed when I started to acknowledge, and later cherish and adore, my period for what it is – a sign that my body is fertile and healthy, a symbol of my womanhood and everything that encompasses. I’ve since counselled many women on this topic, and they are surprised that something like “loving your period” can be a more effective treatment for cramps than a box of Midol.
The time around a girl’s first period is a wonderful opportunity to teach her acceptance and love of her body, especially to counteract a lot of the negative body image issues that will come up in the teenage years. The pre-teen stage is the perfect time to talk about periods. I find many girls are much more open to listening because before that part of the body is wrapped up in new and confusing sexual thoughts, after which the topic can become more embarrassing. I love talking to girls and women about why periods happen, what it means they are able to do, how it is a symbol of their future fertility and sexuality, but also a measure of good health. It is not something to be ashamed of, to hide, or to deny. It is a special time, a gift to women, where we have a natural rhythm reminding us to slow down, look inside, and honour ourselves.
Naturopathic Doctor
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